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Restaurants and politics: Like oil and water, do they not mix on Staten Island?

FDY Diner Politics1.jpg

This sign caused some grief for Markos “Mike” Platis as customers did not like his choice of candidate on the facade. But the proprietor says anyone is welcome to put up their banner or promotional ad for political office. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A recent story about the Colonnade Diner's expansion kicked up a firestorm of discussion in the comments section — but not about the food. Instead the conversation turned to the massive "Vote for Michael Grimm 2014" banner mounted on the restaurant's facade.

"Now all he has to do is take down those 'Vote for Grimm' signs," wrote commentator Mailman77777. "I'm sure there are voters who will see them and not patronize the diner."

And, later on in the discussion, Seal444 said, "I used to go there for breakfast on the weekends or dinner if I got home late, and didn't feel like cooking, but now, I will never set foot in the place as long as those Grimm signs are hanging there!"

"Look, screw the politics, this is about the diner," wrote Shultz. "If a sign on a building affects whether or not you enjoy good food and good service, you're an idiot, plain and simple."

Indeed proprietor Markos "Mike" Platis received a handful of calls from people in the community complaining about the sign. He was surprised at the kerfuffle and said earlier in the week that all politicians are welcome to post their banners. All they have to do is ask and he welcomes the outdoor signs — from any party.

Platis regards the restaurant as a significant part of the neighborhood. And, perhaps as evidenced by the American flags flapping on the building and as a planned part of his new, Santorini Outdoor Cafe theme, he considers himself to be a proud American.

Well, being an American means being entitled to freedom of speech. And, according to the U.S. Court system, freedom of speech does allow "using certain words and phrases to convey political messages" yet does not include someone's efforts "to make or distribute obscene materials."

Considering all that, outcry over the leviathan sign makes one wonder: Should a restaurant owner allow political messages to be posted on his or her property? It is a business owner's property, after all, so isn't he or she is protected under a constitutional right to freedom of speech? By not patronizing a business over the proprietor's perceived politics, does that quash a free exchange of ideas and opinions? Does it poach upon an honest business person's pursuit of happiness?